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This course was written with the intention of showing engineers in all disciplines how to think about and apply standard electrical sensors. This is, by no means, a complete list. A task of that magnitude would be almost impossible. I have selected, however, those sensors that I have used the most in my career.

The course starts by covering temperature sensors. This is followed by force measure devices. Also covered are oxygen, PH, ORP, and flow measuring techniques. The course shows that most sensors are either variable voltage or variable resistance devices. Most sensors are non-linear devices. However many of them are linear over a limited range. In any case, modern electronic circuits can linearize many non linear responses. In some devices the non linearity is used to cause a switching action.

This course was designed for engineers of all disciplines. When working with sensors and measuring devices, it is very helpful to have a basic idea of what properties are being changed by the measured parameter. When engineers know what is really happening to the physical world, they can make better decisions about what to specify for specific projects.

There is very little math involved when completing this course. Some algebra understanding is helpful when looking at how variable resistors and voltage sources tell us the temperature of a process or the weight of some product varies.

The student must take a twenty question multiple choice quiz at the end of the course to obtain PDH credits. It is my intention that this course will help you understand how some common sensors work, which will enable you to perform better in your job.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.

Please Note: Continuing Education credits for this course are awarded as PDH (Professional Development Hour Credits).